Lotus Pond Scenic Area Introduction
Lotus Pond, located in the Zuoying District, embodies profound Eastern meanings. It is bordered by Guishan to the south and Banping Mountain to the north. During the Qing Dynasty, the pond was filled with lotus flowers, and every summer, their fragrance filled the air, earning the title "Fragrant Lotus Water," making it one of the Eight Sights of Fengshan. The iconic "Dragon and Tiger Pagoda" by the pond offers a stunning glimpse into Eastern religious culture. It has been specifically recommended by CNN and is one of the most traditional religious scenic spots in Kaohsiung City. The area around Lotus Pond hosts more than 20 temples, with the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, Beiji Xuantian Shangdi, and Confucius Temple being the most renowned. Among them, the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda is particularly popular with international travelers and is a must-visit attraction in Kaohsiung. In 2014, CNN featured the "Dragon and Tiger Pagoda at Lotus Pond" in an article titled "10 Reasons to Love Kaohsiung" for its ability to dispel misfortune. The Dragon and Tiger Pagoda, built in 1976, is a seven-story structure that one enters through the mouth of the dragon and exits through the mouth of the tiger. Its interior features frescoes depicting cautionary tales crafted from traditional jiaozi pottery, created by renowned artists. The body of the pagoda connects with the Nine-Curve Bridge, reflecting beautifully on the lake's surface. It is said that there is a rule to visiting the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda: one must enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth, implying that one will invite good fortune and avoid misfortune; climbing to the top also offers a panoramic view of Lotus Pond. Adjacent to the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions were built in 1953 and have stood for over sixty years. They are two traditional Chinese palatial-style pavilions known as "Spring Pavilion" and "Autumn Pavilion," named in honor of Confucius's "Spring and Autumn Annals." Each pavilion features a four-story, eight-sided structure with green tiles and yellow walls that resemble a pagoda. The historic shadows of these pavilions are reflected in the water, connecting with the Nine-Curve Bridge and dedicated to the martial saint Guan Yu. The Spring and Autumn Pavilions are exceptional examples of pagoda architecture in Taiwan, also known as the "Imperial Pavilions of Spring and Autumn." The Spring and Autumn Pavilions have a dragon-shaped tunnel similar to the Dragon and Tiger Pagoda. Visitors can also follow the signs to enter through the dragon's mouth, and the tunnel's colorful murals narrate numerous religious stories, with intricate details. Many visit with reverence to appreciate the exquisite artistry on the walls. At the front of the Spring Pavilion, there is a statue of Guanyin riding a dragon. According to legend, Guanyin Bodhisattva once rode a dragon in the clouds and instructed believers to build a statue in between the Spring and Autumn Pavilions based on her form, resulting in the current dragon-riding Guanyin statue. The Wuli Pavilion derives its name from "five li fog," referring to a place shrouded in mystery, as mentioned by poet Li Shangyin: "Five li, without reason, fog." The Wuli Pavilion stands about two stories high with bright yellow tiles and a striking design. In the early morning, when the mist hovers over Lotus Pond, the Wuli Pavilion appears to float on the water like an ethereal palace. When night falls, the long rows of lanterns on the embankment emit a gentle glow, creating a fairyland ambiance. Climbing to the second floor via the pavilion's staircase offers a view of the entire Lotus Pond, showcasing the beauty steeped in Eastern charm and the elegance of Jiangnan gardens. The Kaohsiung City Zuoying Confucius Temple, the largest of its kind in Taiwan, imitates the northern palace-style architecture of China, drawing inspiration from the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong. The grand exterior includes the Dacheng Hall, Dacheng Gate, east and west verandas, Chongsheng Shrine, Lingxing Gate, Li Gate, Yilu Fang, Minglun Hall, and Pan Palace, with complete facilities. The holy temple was established as early as 1684 by county magistrate Yang Fangsheng but underwent repairs due to damage from the elements during the Qianlong and Guangxu reigns, leading to its current impressive scale. Every year, on September 28, the Teachers' Day, there is a grand ceremony to honor Confucius. The Lotus Pond Children's Park is a well-known family-friendly attraction in Kaohsiung, revolutionizing the traditional playground concept with a variety of regionally themed equipment, making it the first co-housing park in the city. The vibrant Rainbow Hill features elements like speaking tubes, tunnels, and climbing walls for children to explore. They can transform into little Spidermen using climbing frames in the sandpit area to enhance their coordination skills. Recently, a 30-meter-long zipline has been added, along with a bird's nest swing and balance beams, making it an enjoyable place for families to learn and have fun together. The atmosphere around Lotus Pond, with its pavilions, giant statues, and city walls, is steeped in an "old town" ambiance, bursting with life through historical monuments, old residences, veteran villages, and traditional markets, allowing visitors to further explore the rich and delicious flavors of Zuoying through culinary experiences. The stunning scenery of Lotus Pond complements a variety of water activities for thrill-seeking tourists. The circular walking paths satisfy both strollers who wish to enjoy the picturesque view of the pond and cyclists who can glide through at their own pace. The Lotus Pond Water Ski Theme Park, the first international-standard cable water ski facility in Taiwan, has attracted over a million visitors since its opening in 2014. The park regularly hosts international invitational competitions, drawing tourists from various countries to witness the events, also promoted through media coverage, showcasing a different side of Kaohsiung. PAMMA Coffee is situated beside the Yuan Emperor Temple by Lotus Pond, blending ecological aspects with a bright, white architecture that allows visitors to enjoy the elegant scenery by the water while indulging in light meals and beverages. It has become a popular new destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking Instagram-worthy spots in the Lotus Pond scenic area. Mango Cafe (temporarily closed for renovations starting March 10, 2023) challenges the notion that afternoon tea can only be savored in cafes or dessert shops. Located within the Confucius Temple, Mango Cafe offers affordable and delicious coffee beverages, alongside traditional pastries. Set in an antique and elegant atmosphere, it allows you to thoroughly experience a unique Chinese-style coffee afternoon tea! The Chengyi Zuoying Tzu Chi Temple, commonly referred to as Chengyi Tzu Chi Temple or Zuoying Tzu Chi Temple, is locally known as the old...
